Cocoa Polyphenol consumption decreases the risk of dying from heart disease by 50% and decreases the risk of dying from cancer, lung disease, or any cause by 53% in elderly men

In this study of 470 elderly men aged 65 to 84 in the Netherlands it was found that those who consumed the most cocoa had a 50% decreased risk of dying from heart disease or any cause mortality compared to those men who did not consume cocoa. The polyphenols in the cocoa improved the function of the endothelial cells that line blood vessels and lessened the risk of cholesterol or other compounds leading to heart attacks, cancer, and lung diseases.The study was performed over a 15 year period. The study is published in the February 27th, 2006 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

Daily supplementation with Vitamin D plus Calcium decreases the risk of falling in elderly women by 46%

Doctors at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland assigned both men and women to take a supplement of Calcium and vitamin D each day or an inactive placebo. The subjects were at least 65 years of age and lived at home. Among women, supplementing with Calcium and Vitamin D each day reduced the risk of falling by 46%. The supplementation may have improved muscle strength and therefore coordination in the elderly women, therefore decreasing the risk of falling. The study is published in the February 27th, 2006 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.